Book Review
ANNA VIVIENNE …Thought Provoking
THIS book, contains a collection of twelve captivating stories by Anna Vivienne, a veteran journalist who has transitioned into short fiction.
While she aspires to be a novelist, Anna candidly admits that she struggles to maintain the momentum required for longer narratives.
As a result, she finds her true voice in the art of short storytelling, where she skillfully captures moments, emotions, and vivid characters in concise and impactful ways.
Each story in this collection, which is Anna’s third book, draws inspiration from the rich folklore and supernatural beliefs of the Dusun people of Sabah, particularly reflecting the heritage of Anna Vivienne’s own BunduLiwan ethnicity.
She credits her grandparents and parents for the wealth of stories they shared throughout their lives, acknowledging that these narratives form the very foundation of her own storytelling.
Their rich tapestry of experiences and folklore has profoundly influenced her voice as a writer, inspiring her to weave her own tales that resonate with the beliefs and imagination passed down through generations.
The narratives illustrate the deep connection these communities have with nature, harking back to a time when the land was less populated and life unfolded beneath the expansive canopies of ancient trees and the imposing presence of brooding mountains.
In this enchanting setting, every feature of the landscape—be it a gnarled tree, a flowing river, or a towering peak—is believed to be inhabited by spirits, creating a world where the natural and supernatural coexist in harmony.
Through her storytelling, Anna evokes a sense of parallel worlds, where the everyday lives of the Dusun people intertwine with the mystical, inviting readers to explore the profound bonds between humanity and the environment that have shaped their beliefs and traditions.
The tales are undeniably scary, filled with uncanny encounters that align perfectly with the title’s promise.
Yet, beyond their chilling surface, they provoke deeper contemplation, inviting readers to ponder the question: “What if?”
Each story challenges us to explore the boundaries of reality and the possibilities that lie just beyond our understanding.
For instance the first story, ‘Mogigiyon: Shadow creature of the forests’ tells of a spirit that follows headhunters with their human head trophies, licking the blood off the forest floor.
The second story tells of the protagonist hearing crying in the night while the third story is about extreme grief allowing the character to cross over into the realm of spirits.
The fourth story delves into the complex mental landscape of a woman grappling with depression, exploring her struggle to escape the confines of her reality.
Through her journey, the narrative challenges readers to contemplate the existence of alternate worlds that coexist alongside our own.
As the protagonist navigates her inner turmoil, the story invites us to reflect on the thin veil between reality and imagination, prompting us to question the boundaries of our perceptions.
This poignant exploration of mental health not only sheds light on the woman’s experience but also encourages readers to consider their own perspectives on the nature of existence and the unseen realms that may lie just beyond our grasp.
All twelve stories in this collection deserve careful attention; they should not be skimmed over.
With each tale, the scary intertwines with the uncanny, revealing deeper layers that reflect the lifestyle of the people in days gone by. Interwoven within these narratives are thought-provoking themes that invite readers to reflect on the complexities of life, culture, and the human experience
